MPs demand better access to rural internet services

Rural areas have already had to wait too long to get broadband, and Ofcom should demand more from telecoms firms when the next generation of mobile licences are auctioned, according to the Commons Culture, Media and Sport committee.

At the moment Ofcom proposes that the next generation of services – licences for which will be auctioned next year – should reach 95 per cent of the population, but the committee has echoed a call by MPs earlier this year for that to be extended to 98 per cent.

If adopted, the move could allow hundreds of thousands more people in rural areas get fast internet connections allowing them to download videos and music and run businesses from remote areas.

“Rural broadband coverage has not developed as quickly as it should have. Having access to broadband services is vital for rural communities and economies, and the UK economy as a whole,” said today’s report.

“The evidence we have received suggests that Ofcom’s proposed 95 per cent population coverage obligation on one of 800 MHz spectrum licences being auctioned is readily achievable. In fact, we consider the imposition of a 95 per cent coverage obligation to be unambitious.”

MPs were told there was little problem extending coverage to most of the population but that it would cost more. The committee said that a 98 per cent obligation would be a good balance.

Problems accessing reliable broadband is one of the main issues for rural campaigners, with experts claiming it is holding back the economy of towns and villages in remote areas.

The Government is keen for more public services to be offered online in remote areas in the coming years, such as allowing patients to consult with their GP online rather than making them travel miles to their nearest surgery for minor ailments, while a speedy connection would also allow more people to run businesses from their homes.

At the moment, three per cent of the UK population lack a basic mobile signal and 13 per cent do not have access to third generation services, allowing them to download more data.

Meanwhile yesterday Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart called on David Cameron to ensure a “fair deal” for rural residents, claiming fire services in rural areas are more stretched than urban counterparts but receive less funding.

“This is typical of rural services across the piece, with residents paying more and receiving less,” he told the Prime Minister.

Mr Cameron said it was “important” to have a fair deal for rural areas and agreed to meet Mr Stuart and other MPs who represent rural areas.